Santa’s Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

If you love holiday entertaining as much as I do, then you’ve got to try this Santa’s Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe. It’s that perfect festive appetizer that feels elegant but is ridiculously easy to pull together. The warm, melty brie pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all topped with a little crunch from nuts and a pop of fresh rosemary. Honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time.

I first brought this to a Christmas gathering a few years ago on a whim, and it instantly became the “star dish” that everyone kept asking for. Whether you’re hosting family, friends, or a casual get-together, this recipe fits right in and requires next to no fuss. Plus, it’s such a cozy treat that feels like a little holiday hug on a plate. If you’ve been searching for an approachable, festive, and delicious bite, Santa’s Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe will not disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients is half the battle, and this recipe keeps it simple but special. Fresh, quality brie and whole berry cranberry sauce create that perfect blend of creamy and fruity, while orange zest and nutmeg add just the right hint of holiday spice.

• Brie cheese: Look for a cold, whole round; this melts so beautifully and holds its shape well.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: Using whole berries adds great texture and a natural tart-sweet balance. I like to use a spiced version if I can find it.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and richness; light or dark brown sugar works fine depending on your flavor preference.
• Vanilla extract: A subtle background note that complements the cranberry perfectly.
• Orange zest: Freshly grated zest from half a medium orange brightens and lifts the flavors wonderfully.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds cozy holiday vibes without overpowering.
• Chopped nuts: Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans – use your favorite or whatever you have on hand for added crunch and color.
• Fresh rosemary: Optional but highly recommended – it adds beautiful fragrance and a burst of greenery that’s perfect for the season.
• Crackers or crostini: For serving – pick sturdy ones that can hold up to scooping that warm, gooey brie.

Variations

I love making this Santa’s Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe my own by changing up the nuts or the cranberry sauce. Don’t be afraid to customize it to your taste or what’s in your pantry—this dish is as flexible as it is festive.

• Nut-free version: I once made this for a party where a guest had allergies, so I skipped the nuts and added extra fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sea salt on top. It was still a hit!
• Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the cranberry mix or sprinkled on top before baking.
• Different cheeses: Brie is classic, but I’ve also experimented with Camembert for a deeper flavor or even a triple-cream cheese for extra richness.
• Seasonal fruit swaps: Around Thanksgiving, I’ve swapped the cranberry sauce for a fig jam or spiced apple chutney, which also pairs incredibly well.

How to Make Santa’s Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Brie and Cranberry Mixture

Start by taking your cold brie straight from the fridge—keeping it cold helps it hold shape during baking. In a small bowl, mix the whole berry cranberry sauce with brown sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and nutmeg until everything is evenly combined. The little bits of orange zest make a huge difference here, so don’t skip that step!

Step 2: Assemble and Top

Place the brie on a small baking sheet or ovenproof dish. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the top so it covers the brie nicely. Then sprinkle your choice of chopped nuts evenly over the cranberry layer. If you’re using rosemary, tuck a few sprigs gently on top or around the sides for that extra holiday aroma and eye appeal.

Step 3: Bake Until Gooey and Bubbly

Pop your assembled brie into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-18 minutes. Keep a close eye—once the brie looks melty and the cranberry topping is bubbly, it’s ready to come out. Don’t overbake or it can become too runny and lose that perfect spreadable texture we’re after.

How to Serve Santa’s Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love adding a few extra fresh rosemary needles or whole cranberries around the edges once out of the oven—it makes the dish as beautiful as it tastes. A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving also amps up the flavors and balance.

Side Dishes

This baked brie pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or even a warm bowl of butternut squash soup for a fuller holiday spread. And of course, don’t forget plenty of your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices to scoop up that luscious cheese and cranberry topping.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special twist, try serving the brie right in a cute mini skillet or decorative ceramic dish. On one holiday, I even nestled it inside a hollowed-out mini pumpkin for a festive vibe that wowed my guests. It’s a small touch that adds big charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (which is rare!), I wrap the brie tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for 2-3 days; just know the texture will firm up once chilled.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze this dish because the texture of baked brie changes after thawing, but if you must, make sure to wrap it airtight and use it within a month. Thaw slowly in the fridge to minimize moisture loss.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the brie back in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes or until warm and melty again. Microwaving can make it a bit rubbery, so I avoid that if possible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, Santa’s Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is one of my favorite holiday appetizers because it strikes the perfect balance between festive flair and effortless preparation. It feels luxurious without needing hours in the kitchen, which means you get to enjoy more time with your guests (and maybe a glass of wine, too). I can’t recommend it enough for your next holiday party or cozy winter night. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a delicious tradition in your home, just like it did in mine.

Print